IF WE HAVE NO DOGS AVAILABLE…

Finding a good, ethical breeder can be confusing and frustrating in today’s instant satisfaction culture. Online multi-breed web sites abound, promising the world, willing to ship tomorrow and accepting a myriad of credit cards. Obtuse, hollow guarantees of health, love and loyalty pepper their pages. If it reads like a come on ad for used cars or miracle weight loss, it’s likely a puppy mill in disguise. The internet is a valuable source of information in your puppy search but is not a substitute for good old-fashioned, real-time, human connection.

Avoid brokers, and get a puppy directly from a breeder you have been able to develop a relationship with, who will work to get to know you so a successful match is most likely. You want a puppy whose relatives you have met, whose early environment you’ve seen with your own eyes and which feels like good preparation for life in yours. You want a puppy from a breeder willing to offer “tech support” whenever you have questions, problems or just a proud moment to share ( no one else cares as much!). You want, ideally, a puppy from a breeder within driving distance – even if you have to wait (you know – good things come to those who wait!).

You may want to check the breeder’s page listed on Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America to look for a local, visit-able and ethical breeder. Visit the web sites, and make phone calls. Be sure, as well, that breeders are doing the health screenings recommended by the club on the parents of a litter (and that they are able to provide official verification for those tests, not just statements on websites that they are done), as well as doing eye certifications on puppies. Next, schedule visits to those breeders that you enjoyed connecting with and see how you feel the puppy’s first home may or may not prepare him/her for life with you. These thing are vital. Take your time.